But vs. Yet: What's the Difference?

Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 5, 2023

"But" introduces a contrasting element, while "Yet" indicates a condition or timing not fulfilled.

Key Differences

"But" primarily functions as a coordinating conjunction introducing an idea that contrasts with or counters the preceding statement. For instance, in the sentence "I like coffee, but I don't like tea," the word "but" highlights a contrast between liking coffee and not liking tea. It allows for the juxtaposition of two distinct or opposing notions.

On the other hand, "Yet" often serves as an adverb indicating that something has not happened or a condition hasn't been met. Consider the sentence, "I haven't finished my work yet." Here, "yet" emphasizes the continuing state of not having completed the work. It signifies a lingering or pending state or action.

Furthermore, "Yet" can also act as a coordinating conjunction similar to "but," though it carries a more nuanced sense of unexpectedness or surprise. For example, "He was tired, yet he continued working" implies a somewhat surprising perseverance despite fatigue. In this capacity, "Yet" underscores an element of unanticipated resilience or determination.

Conversely, "But" rarely operates outside its primary contrasting function. It's straightforward in presenting opposition or distinction, like "She's quiet but confident." "Yet," meanwhile, with its dual roles as adverb and conjunction, offers a broader range of expressive possibilities, spanning from time-related contexts to those of surprising contrast.

Comparison Chart

Primary Role

Coordinating conjunction

Adverb or coordinating conjunction

Typical Use

Presents contrast

Indicates unfulfilled condition/time or unexpected contrast

Examples

"I'm tired, but I'll go."

"I'm tired, yet I'll go." or "I haven't seen it yet."

Nuance

Straightforward contrast

Can imply unexpectedness/surprise

Position in Sentence

Usually middle

Often at the end (as adverb)

But and Yet Definitions

But

Excludes an option

Everyone but Jane left.

Yet

Introduces unexpected contrast

It's hard, yet not impossible.

But

Indicates exception

Nothing but the truth.

Yet

Suggests a higher degree

Is there yet more to do?

But

Introduces a clarification

He's not sad, but rather thoughtful.

Yet

At this time; for the present

Isn't ready yet.

But

On the contrary

The plan caused not prosperity but ruin.

Yet

Up to a specified time; thus far

The end had not yet come.

But

Contrary to expectation; yet

She organized her work but accomplished very little. He is tired but happy.

Yet

At a future time; eventually

May yet change his mind.

But

Usage Problem Used to indicate an exception

No one but she saw the prowler.

Yet

Besides; in addition

Returned for yet another helping.

But

With the exception that; except that. Often used with that

Would have joined the band but he couldn't spare the time.

Would have resisted but that they lacked courage.

Yet

Still more; even

A yet sadder tale.

But

(Informal) Without the result that

It never rains but it pours.

Yet

Nevertheless

Young yet wise.

But

(Informal) That. Often used after a negative

There is no doubt but right will prevail.

Yet

And despite this; nevertheless

She said she would be late, yet she arrived on time.

But

That ... not. Used after a negative or question

There never is a tax law presented but someone will oppose it.

Yet

Thus far; up to the present; up to some unspecified time.

But

(Informal) Than

They had no sooner arrived but they turned around and left.

Yet

In negative or interrogative use, often with an expectation or potential of something happening in the future.

I haven't finished yet.

Have you finished yet?

We do not yet know what happened.

He has never yet been late for an appointment.

But

Usage Problem Except.

Yet

In negative imperative use, asking for an action to be delayed.

Don't switch it on yet – wait until I've reconnected the pump.

But

Merely; just; only

Hopes that lasted but a moment.

Yet

In affirmative use: still.

He is yet breathing. (He is still breathing.)

But

Used as an intensive

Get out of here but fast!.

Yet

At some future time; eventually.

The riddle will be solved yet.

But

A concern or objection

My offer is final, no ifs, ands, or buts.

Yet

Not as of the time referenced.

I’ve yet to see him. — I have not yet seen him.

I had yet to go to a convention. — I had not yet gone to a convention.

They are yet to win a single match. — They have not yet won a single match.

He seemed yet to be convinced. — He seemed not yet to have been convinced.

But

Apart from, except (for), excluding.

Everyone but Father left early.

I like everything but that.

Nobody answered the door when I knocked, so I had no choice but to leave.

Yet

In addition.

There are two hours yet to go until our destination.

But

Outside of.

Away but the hoose and tell me whae's there.

Yet

(degree) Even.

K-2 is yet higher than this.

Oh no! Yet more problems!

But

Merely, only, just, no more than

Christmas comes but once a year.

Yet

Nevertheless; however; but; despite that.

I thought I knew you, yet how wrong I was.

But

Though, however.

I'll have to go home early but.

Yet

(obsolete) To pour.

But

, although, nevertheless, on the other hand introducing a clause contrary to prior belief or in contrast with the preceding clause or sentence.

She is very old but still attractive.

You told me I could do that, but she said that I could not.

Yet

To melt; found; cast (e.g. metal, by pouring it into a mould when molten).

But

, rather adversative conjunction, introducing a word or clause in contrast or contradiction with the preceding negative clause or sentence}}.

I am not rich but [I am] poor.

Not John but Peter went there.

Yet

To get.

But

(colloquial) Used at the beginning of a sentence to express opposition to a remark.

But I never said you could do that!

Yet

(dialectal) A metal pan or boiler; yetling.

But

Except that (introducing a subordinate clause which qualifies a negative statement); also, with omission of the subject of the subordinate clause, acting as a negative relative, "except one that", "except such that".

I cannot but feel offended.

Yet

Any one of several species of large marine gastropods belonging to the genus Yetus, or Cymba; a boat shell.

But

(colloquial) Used to link an interjection to the following remark as an intensifier.

Wow! But that's amazing!

Yet

In addition; further; besides; over and above; still.

This furnishes us with yet one more reason why our savior, lays such a particular stress acts of mercy.

The rapine is made yet blacker by the pretense of piety and justice.

But

(archaic) Without it also being the case that; unless that (introducing a necessary concomitant).

It never rains but it pours.

Yet

At the same time; by continuance from a former state; still.

Facts they had heard while they were yet heathens.

But

(obsolete) Except with; unless with; without.

Yet

Before some future time; before the end; eventually; in time.

But

(obsolete) Only; solely; merely.

Yet

Even; - used emphatically.

Men may not too rashly believe the confessions of witches, nor yet the evidence against them.

But

(obsolete) Until.

Yet

Nevertheless; notwithstanding; however.

Yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

But

That.

Yet

Up to the present time;

I have yet to see the results

Details are yet to be worked out

But

An instance or example of using the word "but".

It has to be done – no ifs or buts.

Yet

Used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time;

So far he hasn't called

The sun isn't up yet

But

(Scotland) The outer room of a small two-room cottage.

Yet

To a greater degree or extent; used with comparisons;

Looked sick and felt even worse

An even (or still) more interesting problem

Still another problem must be solved

A yet sadder tale

But

A limit; a boundary.

Yet

Within an indefinite time or at an unspecified future time;

He will understand eventually

He longed for the flowers that were yet to show themselves

Sooner or later you will have to face the facts

In time they came to accept the harsh reality

But

The end; especially the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end; the butt.

Yet

Used after a superlative;

This is the best so far

The largest drug bust yet

But

(archaic) Use the word "but".

But me no buts.

Yet

Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);

Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it

While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed

He was a stern yet fair master

Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go

But

Except with; unless with; without.

So insolent that he could not go but either spurning equals or trampling on his inferiors.

Touch not the cat but a glove.

Yet

Indicates time still to come

I haven't seen him yet.

But

Except; besides; save.

Who can it be, ye gods! but perjured Lycon?

Yet

Queries the existence of something

Have you any food yet?

But

Excepting or excluding the fact that; save that; were it not that; unless; - elliptical, for but that.

And but my noble Moor is true of mind . . . it were enough to put him to ill thinking.

Yet

Implies further continuation

Yet another sequel was released.

But

Otherwise than that; that not; - commonly, after a negative, with that.

It cannot be but nature hath some director, of infinite power, to guide her in all her ways.

There is no question but the king of Spain will reform most of the abuses.

But

Only; solely; merely.

Observe but how their own principles combat one another.

If they kill us, we shall but die.

A formidable man but to his friends.

But

On the contrary; on the other hand; only; yet; still; however; nevertheless; more; further; - as connective of sentences or clauses of a sentence, in a sense more or less exceptive or adversative; as, the House of Representatives passed the bill, but the Senate dissented; our wants are many, but quite of another kind.

Now abideth faith hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

When pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom.

But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; . . . the lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him.

But this I read, that but if remedyThou her afford, full shortly I her dead shall see.

But

The outer apartment or kitchen of a two-roomed house; - opposed to ben, the inner room.

But

A limit; a boundary.

But

The end; esp. the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end. Now disused in this sense, being replaced by butt{2}. See 1st Butt.

But

And nothing more;

I was merely asking

It is simply a matter of time

Just a scratch

He was only a child

Hopes that last but a moment

But

Introduces contrast

She's young but wise.

But

Shows limitation

It's cheap but effective.

FAQs

Can "But" introduce a positive after a negative?

Yes, like "It's small but powerful."

Is "But" always a conjunction?

Mostly, but it can also be a preposition (e.g., "all but").

How does "Yet" emphasize surprise?

By introducing an unexpected outcome, like "tired, yet alert."

Can "But" and "Yet" often be used interchangeably?

Sometimes, especially when introducing contrast.

Is "Yet" only about timing?

No, it can also introduce unexpected contrast.

Can "But" exclude things?

Yes, as in "Everyone but him agreed."

Does "But" always need contrasting clauses?

Typically, it connects contrasting ideas or elements.

What does "Yet" at the end of a sentence imply?

It indicates something hasn't happened or isn't known.

How does "But" differ mainly from "Yet"?

"But" primarily contrasts, while "Yet" indicates unfulfilled timing or unexpectedness.

Can "Yet" start a sentence?

Yes, e.g., "Yet, there's more to see."

Is "Yet" commonly used in questions?

Yes, e.g., "Have you done it yet?"

What part of speech is "But"?

Mainly a conjunction, sometimes a preposition.

Is "Yet" common in formal writing?

Yes, especially when introducing surprising contrasts.

Can "Yet" be about additional instances?

Yes, like "yet another error."

Can "But" also be an adverb?

Rarely, like "but recently" meaning "only recently."

Is "Yet" used in negative statements?

Often, like "not yet finished."

And "Yet"?

Both an adverb and a conjunction.

Can "But" introduce a reason?

Not usually. "But" focuses on contrast.

Is "But" stronger than "Yet" in contrast?

"But" is more straightforward, while "Yet" can imply unexpectedness.

Which is more versatile in use?

"Yet" has broader applications as both an adverb and conjunction.

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About Author

Written by

Janet White

Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.

Edited by

Harlon Moss

Harlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.